Helena Frye
The Australian trick basketball team, How Ridiculous, performed a stunt that defied physics and earned them a Guinness World Record. The team dropped a basketball from a 415-foot-high dam in Tasmania, sinking it into the basket and showcasing a phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect. This effect, named after physicist Gustav Magnus, causes a spinning ball to momentarily appear to defy gravity due to the differential airflow on either side of the ball. The resulting video, posted on YouTube, has gone viral and showcases the unique intersection of sports and science.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Magnus Effect |
| Named After | Gustav Magnus |
| Year Discovered | 1852 |
| Demonstrated By | How Ridiculous |
| Video Posted On | Veritasium |
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What You'll Learn
The Magnus effect
In the context of the basketball trick shot performed by the team "How Ridiculous," the Magnus effect played a crucial role in their record-breaking achievement. By applying a spin to the basketball before releasing it from a 415-foot-high dam, the ball seemed to defy gravity momentarily. This phenomenon captured the public's imagination and sparked interest in the underlying physics explained by the Magnus effect.
This lift force is responsible for the basketball's curved trajectory. The faster the spin, the greater the deflection of air and the stronger the lift force. Additionally, the direction of the spin determines whether the ball will curve to the left or right. By controlling the spin, the "How Ridiculous" team could manipulate the airflow around the basketball, altering its trajectory and achieving their incredible trick shots.
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Basketball from a dam
The Australian trick basketball team, How Ridiculous, performed an experiment to test the Magnus effect by dropping a basketball from a dam. The Magnus effect, named after physicist Gustav Magnus, describes how spinning objects interact with air currents to produce a force that acts in the direction of the spin.
How Ridiculous dropped a basketball from the 415-foot-high Gordon Dam in Tasmania and managed to sink a basket, earning them a Guinness World Record. By applying a little spin to the ball before releasing it, they made it appear to defy gravity momentarily. This phenomenon is explained by the Magnus effect, where the spinning ball deflects the air flowing around it, creating an opposite force that pushes the ball forward.
The video of this feat was posted on the YouTube channel Veritasium and quickly went viral. It showcased not only an impressive basketball shot but also a practical demonstration of a fundamental physics principle. The Magnus effect is a well-known concept in physics, with applications in various fields, including aviation and sports.
The experiment conducted by How Ridiculous provided a unique and visually striking illustration of the Magnus effect in action. By releasing the basketball with backspin, they were able to influence its trajectory and even make it seem like it was temporarily defying the forces of gravity. This showcased the significant impact that spin can have on the flight of a basketball, or any spinning object, as it moves through the air.
The Magnus effect has been known and studied for over a century, but the basketball trick shot from a dam offered a novel and captivating way to showcase its principles. This combination of sports and physics not only entertained viewers but also provided a valuable lesson in the practical application of scientific concepts. It demonstrated that a spinning basketball, or any object with a similar shape and spin, can exhibit unexpected and fascinating behaviours due to its interaction with air currents.
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Trick basketball team
The Australian trick basketball team, How Ridiculous, is known for its viral video demonstrating a property of physics that can make a basketball appear to defy gravity momentarily. The team's video, posted on the YouTube channel Veritasium, shows a member of the team sinking a basket from atop the Gordon Dam in Tasmania while also showcasing a scientific phenomenon known as the Magnus effect.
The Magnus effect, named after physicist Gustav Magnus who described it in 1852, occurs when a spinning ball influences the airflow around it, creating a force that can affect its own trajectory. By giving the basketball a little spin before releasing it, the How Ridiculous team member caused the ball to appear to defy gravity momentarily. This phenomenon can be explained by the different airflows on either side of the spinning ball. On one side, the air spins in the same direction and is deflected behind the ball, while on the other side, the air flows in the opposite direction and is deflected away, creating an opposite force that pushes the ball forward.
The successful shot from the Gordon Dam earned the How Ridiculous team a spot in the Guinness World Records book. Their video not only entertained viewers but also provided an educational insight into the Magnus effect, combining sports and physics in a captivating way.
The team's unique approach to basketball showcases their creativity and willingness to experiment. By incorporating physics into their trick shots, they have gained viral fame and a spot in the record books. How Ridiculous continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with a basketball, inspiring and entertaining audiences worldwide. Their dedication to their craft and innovative spirit have made them a notable name in the world of trick basketball.
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Guinness World Record
The Australian trick basketball team, How Ridiculous, achieved a Guinness World Record with a video demonstrating the Magnus Effect. The team showcased how a basketball could momentarily defy gravity by sinking a basket from the top of the Gordon Dam in Tasmania, from a height of 415 feet. The video, posted on the Veritasium YouTube channel, has since gone viral.
The Magnus Effect is named after the physicist Gustav Magnus, who described the phenomenon in 1852. The effect is created by giving the ball a little spin before releasing it, which can make it appear to defy gravity. As the ball spins through the air, the air on one side is deflected behind the ball, while the air on the other side is deflected away, creating an opposite force that pushes the ball forward.
This achievement by the How Ridiculous team is a great example of combining sports and science to create a record-breaking outcome. It also showcases the importance of understanding scientific principles, which can be applied in unique ways to achieve remarkable results. The video has not only entertained viewers but also educated them on the Magnus Effect, making it a creative and informative entry in the Guinness World Records.
The team's ability to make a basketball momentarily defy gravity captured the imagination of many and demonstrated the impact of applying scientific principles in unique ways. Their record-breaking achievement showcases the potential for innovative and educational endeavours in the field of sports and physics. By understanding and utilising the Magnus Effect, the How Ridiculous team has left their mark in the Guinness World Records in a truly unique fashion.
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Physics of spin
The Magnus effect, named after physicist Gustav Magnus who described the phenomenon in 1852, is a property of physics that can make a basketball appear to momentarily defy gravity. This effect was demonstrated by the Australian trick basketball team 'How Ridiculous' in a viral video posted on the YouTube channel Veritasium. In the video, a basketball is dropped from the top of the Gordon Dam in Tasmania, a height of 415 feet, and sinks into the basket while also showcasing the Magnus effect.
The Magnus effect is observed when a spinning ball appears to momentarily defy gravity. This occurs because, as the ball spins through the air, the air on one side of the ball moves in the same direction as the spin and is deflected behind the ball. Simultaneously, the air on the other side flows in the opposite direction of the spin and is deflected away. Consequently, the air moving with the spin of the ball exerts an opposite force, pushing the ball forward.
This phenomenon is not limited to basketball and can be observed in various sports and everyday situations. For example, tennis players can impart topspin or backspin on the ball, causing it to dip or rise unexpectedly. Similarly, golfers use backspin when hitting approach shots to ensure the ball stops quickly after landing on the green. Even in everyday activities like driving a car or flying a kite, the Magnus effect can be noticed in the way the airflow interacts with the spinning wheels or the fluttering kite.
The Magnus effect has practical applications beyond sports and recreational activities. It is utilized in aircraft design, where engineers incorporate the principle to create lift and stability. Additionally, it plays a role in the design of projectiles, such as bullets and missiles, where the spin can stabilize their trajectory and improve accuracy. In the natural world, the Magnus effect can be observed in the flight of spinning seeds, like those from maple trees, which use the effect to glide and disperse over long distances.
Overall, the Magnus effect is a fascinating phenomenon that illustrates how spin can influence the behavior of objects in motion, whether it's a basketball defying gravity, a tennis ball curving unexpectedly, or a spinning seed sailing through the air. By understanding the physics of spin, we can not only explain these intriguing occurrences but also apply this knowledge to various fields, from sports to engineering and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
The 'How Ridiculous' basketball team from Australia set a Guinness World Record by sinking a basket from the top of the Gordon Dam in Tasmania, which is 415 feet high.
The Magnus effect, named after physicist Gustav Magnus, explains how giving a basketball a little spin before releasing it can make it appear to defy gravity momentarily.
As the ball spins through the air, the air on one side of the ball moves in the same direction and is deflected behind the ball. On the other side, the air flows in the opposite direction and is deflected away. Thus, the air spinning with the ball pushes it forward.
